KBO to see lowest number of spectators in 4 years

South Korea’s
pro-baseball is expected to see the lowest number of spectators in 4 years.

2019 KBO teams have so far played 542 matches, 75% of
its planned games as of August 12th, and attracted some 5.7 million fans to the
stadiums. The number dropped by 8% from the same period last year which was set
at some 6.2 million.

At the current pace, the KBO expects to see around 7.5
to 7.6 million spectators throughout the season, about 600,000 short of last
year’s record and more than 1 million
less that this year’s goal.

Among the 10 teams, only the NC Dinos saw an increase
in their spectator numbers. The team has hosted 59% more fans thanks to their
new home stadium, Changwon NC Park.

Ryu Dae Hwan, the KBO's Secretary-General pointed to
struggles of popular clubs including Lotte Giants, KIA Tigers and Hanwha Eagles
for the overall drop in attendance.